Since When Did You Have The Illusion That You Don’t Have Magical Powers?!

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Sapphiras Perfectio, 2nd son of the Earl of Aldridge

Percival Belisario, 3rd son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier

 

“Oya? Do you know what that is, boy?”

I understand nothing. Why are these ruin-grade magical tools being sold in a stall?

The War Maiden’s Oath is said to be a protective amulet for warriors, a small mirror-shaped magical tool with a dull gold colour that fits in the palm of the hand. It is finely engraved, with a smoked red jade embedded in its centre, and is somewhat plain and dull in colour and atmosphere. The fact that it does not look that great at first glance is also a characteristic of this magical tool. Most of the magical tools found in ruins are plain, though.

It is said to be a talisman made by spirits, or that the King of the Phantom Kingdom gave it to his most trusted knight, and it is said that those who possess this magical tool becomes invincible and never lose their lives, no matter how fierce the battle. I’ve never seen the effect of this magic in action, so I’m not certain of its authenticity, but adventurers and those who use swords for a living will want this magical tool to the point where they can’t wait to get their hands on it.

“Can I touch it?”

“Yeah, sure thing.”

I’ve heard rumours about it, but this is the first time I’ve held it in my hand. Considering its small size, it’s heavy. When I held it in my hand, I could see a faint flame flickering at the center of the smouldering ruby.

“…..It’s real?”

“No matter how dull it is, it can be a holy sword for those who believe it is a holy sword. It’s up to you to decide whether or not to make it the War Maiden’s Oath.”

“How much, by the way?

“Three gold coins.”

Three gold coins. It’s a lot of money, but if it is real, it would be a bargain.

“I can’t buy it right now because I don’t have the money, so can you give me two weeks?”

“Yeah, sure thing.”

I bet on my luck. This magical tool is 9 out of 10 a genuine War Maiden’s Oath. I don’t know why it’s being sold at such a street stall, but the fact that I wasn’t able to sell the materials in the royal capital must have been a good luck guide that brought me to this War Maiden’s Oath.

“Well then, here’s the deposit, I’ll bring you the full amount in two weeks, and don’t ever sell it to anyone.”

I took the three silver coins I had acquired earlier out of my pocket and handed them to the old woman. Nomads move with the wind, so I don’t know how long she’ll stay in Oriens.

“Oh, I’ll be waiting.”

The old woman grins. It’s a kind of suspicious smile, but I wonder if she’s really all right. I can’t deny that it’s a bit dubious, but I believe in the guidance of good luck.

After that, I went on a hunt for anything and everything.

If there was a town being attacked by a pack of magical beast wolves to the east, I would take them out before the Knights, if there was a trading company being attacked by magical beast bears to the west, I would rush in with Orthus and take them out, if there was a forest with wandering magical beast snakes to the south, I would go and take them out from one side to the other, if I heard that magical beast rats had appeared to the north, I would burn them down anyway, because they are not worth any money.

I realised that there were only a few days left until the promised two-week period.

I hunted all the magical beasts, so the stories of damage caused by magical beasts around the royal capital had all but disappeared. I’m happy that it’s as safe as it used to be. Everyone will be able to live in peace.

But, however.

Just as I was getting close to the target amount, the prey had completely disappeared.

“There are fewer magical beasts than I thought there would be……”

I am two silver coins short of three gold coins. A magical beast wolf pelt or a magical beast bear arm? Whatever it is, I have to hunt two more silver coins worth of magical beasts.

“Oh, I wonder if there is a pack of magical beasts somewhere.”

“What’s up with a pack of magical beasts?”

The voice suddenly calls out to me from behind, my shoulders jerked involuntarily. When I timidly turned around, there was a person standing there who I didn’t want to know about my plan.

“Per-Percival……”

Thinking that Percival was training in the afternoon, I completely let my guard down. Even though there should have been no one around the pavilion in the far corner of the courtyard.

“Ah……no, erm. Well, I was just thinking that I haven’t heard any rumours about magical beasts lately.”

I didn’t deceive you. In fact, the damage caused by magical beasts around the royal capital has disappeared.

“That’s right. Recently, there seems to be no more damage from magical beasts around the royal capital.”

“He-heh……that’s right. Why is that?”

“I heard that a black magician riding a two-headed beast is exterminating magical beasts.”

Percival stares at my face with clear eyes.

I casually avert my gaze as if to escape from his gaze. It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong, so it’s fine if I just do it proudly……it should be.

Or rather, isn’t a rumour that a two-headed beast and a black magician really revealing! From my point of view, I thought I was secretly hunting magical beasts, but I might have gotten too carried away. In the first place, Orthus stood out too much.

“These days Sapphiras always looks sleepy in the morning. I hear you occasionally doze off during class?”

You’re right. Lately I’ve been dozing off a bit in class. Since I, who was originally weak and lacked physical strength, was doing what could be called physical labour night after night, it can’t be helped even if I fell asleep. I thought I was hiding well and sleeping, but the other day I was accidentally found and warned. It’s not good for me, who receives support from the Duke’s family, to fall asleep during class, so I sleep as much as possible during breaks and fight against my eyelids falling on its own during class.

I am well aware that the main task of a student is to study. That’s why I’ve decided to make it a short term project too. Earn three gold coins in two weeks. If there were no unusual outbreaks of magical beasts in the vicinity of the royal capital, it would be an impossible task.

“Sapphiras must have a purpose, right? Is it something that I can’t help with?”

“Uuuu……”

Looking at Percival’s sincere gaze, I was at a loss for words.

Percival knew that I was hunting magical beasts around the capital for some purpose. He must have been waiting for me to confide in him, but he’s finally unable to remain silent.

I can’t say that the reason I’m working so hard to earn money is because I want to repay Percival for the ring. Above all, I want him to be surprised, so I want to keep it a secret until the end, and Percival will probably say he doesn’t want anything in return in the first place.

“What would Sapphiras think if I didn’t say anything to anyone and hunted magical beasts by myself?”

“Th-that’s ……

Putting it that way is not fair. Percival knows I’m at a loss for answers, and he asks such questions. I mean, if Percival was doing that, I’d definitely stop him, and if he had a purpose, I’d help him too.

“……I understand Percival’s feelings. I know but I really want to do this by myself. Besides, I’m not doing anything dangerous!”

“……You’re sure you’re not involved in anything dangerous?”

Of course not! That is for sure! Percival knows what I’m capable of, right? A magical beast isn’t dangerous at all. Besides, Orthus is with me.”

“Haa……”

Percival let out a resigned sigh and brushed his fringe up. If there was even a young lady here, a delighted scream would have gone up.

‘I know that Sapphiras doesn’t need my sword. If I stay with you, I’ll probably be a liability. But even so, I can’t be calm when I think that you’re doing something dangerous without my knowledge……”

That is a terrible misunderstanding! Percival’s skill with the sword, backed by experience, is solid. I even think he’s on a par with the knights who guard the royal city. I’ve got to firmly deny that if not.

“That’s not true! I trust not only Percival himself, but also your swordsmanship. If I were to entrust my back to someone, there would be only Percival. I’m sure of it. But for this time, I want you to keep quiet and watch over me.”

In any case, there are only a few days left until the deadline. Sooner or later, this hunt will be over.

“……I understand. But just don’t do anything really dangerous.”

“Yeah, I promise!”

All right, I’ve made up my mind! We’ll settle this tonight! I’ll have to reassure Percival as soon as possible.

 

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